Today is ARTSTRIKE, and it couldn’t come at a more urgent moment.

Today is ARTSTRIKE, and it couldn’t come at a more urgent moment. Reports indicate President Obama and Speaker Boehner are still discussing a deal that would slash Social Security, cut veterans benefits, and raise taxes on the poor and middle class to pay down a deficit created by the Bush wars, Bush tax cuts, and Bush economic collapse.

Rebuild the Dream has joined forces with culture-makers to call out the “fiscal bluff” and take a stand against the lies and cuts that would hurt our communities and families.

Artists across the country have created powerful images, posters, and songs. They deserve to be seen by millions — so that’s our job today. I picked out a few of our favorites, and put them in one place on Upworthy for you to see and share.

Tens of thousands of Rebuilders are joining in. Progressive allies and artist networks are mobilizing to do the same. Together, we can put these works of art in front of millions of people, more than some major newspapers will reach today.

ARTSTRIKE isn’t your typical day of action — we’re not making phone calls or staging rallies or signing petitions, as important as those tactics are.

Instead, we’re partnering with artists who know how to grab the attention of friends who have tuned out. We’re using culture as a tool to change people’s hearts and minds, in a way that only art can.

Ask Favianna Rodriguez, co-founder of our partner CultureStrike. She says: “Artists are central to social change. In order for us to win the battles that most impact our communities, we must first change the culture.” Or listen to Mike Molina of 5D Stories. He says: “Artists tell the stories that define what we believe is possible.”

I couldn’t agree more. I’m grateful to the artists who have contributed extraordinary work to this effort. It is touching and inspiring. Some pieces show the choice we face as a nation. Others confront us with what’s really happening. Every one is impactful in its own way.

Take a look for yourself. And then post your favorites on Facebook and Twitter. Print your favorite and tape it to the window at home or in the office.

Share the stuff that touches YOU. That’s what matters the most. That’s what is most likely to touch the hearts of the people close to you.

Thanks for taking action with us,
Van and the rest of the Rebuild the Dream Innovation Fund team

P.S. — We picked out a few of our favorites, but you can find more submissions here.

This is a message from Rebuild the Dream, sent on behalf of Rebuild the Dream Innovation Fund.

Rebuild the Dream is a platform for bottom-up, people-powered innovations to help fix the U.S. economy. You can follow us on Twitter, and like us on Facebook.